An early candidate has emerged to sign Ben Hunt after the Dragons mutually agreed to end the star playmaker's contract, effective immediately.
St George Illawarra confirmed the news in a statement on Wednesday morning, cutting short the halfback's time at the club by 12 months.
Just hours after the decision was made, Dolphins boss Terry Reader said the club were open to speaking with Hunt and his management.
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"The Dolphins have always said that we are interested in good players that are available," he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"We only learned of the situation regarding Ben Hunt from the media this morning and have not had any contact with him or his management in relation to him coming.
"However we are sure if he is interested in speaking to us, we will hear from his management."
The decision from the Dragons ends more than 12 months of turmoil and speculation surrounding Hunt and his relationship with the club.
The 34-year-old asked to be released on numerous occasions last year, but was denied and his relationship with the club seemed to improve in the early stages of 2024, culminating in preliminary talks being opened for a contract extension.
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Those talks were put on pause but ultimately taken no further and Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb said the decision to part with the halfback was "not easy and not taken lightly".
"We need to do what is best for the club at this time," he said.
"After extensive discussions with Ben and his management, it became clear that this is the best path forward for both parties. It allows the club to openly explore the player market and focus on the future.
"Ben has been an important part of our club and we are grateful for his contributions. We wish him and his family all the best in their next chapter."
Hunt said he was "grateful" for his time at the club and the ultimate call to grant him a release.
"I am grateful for everything the club has done for me over the years and appreciate them allowing me to explore other opportunities," Hunt said in the club's statement.
Hunt's departure comes despite Flanagan claiming in interviews last week that there were "no issues" between the parties, and expected Hunt to return to pre-season training in January as contractually obliged.
"I don't see any issues there, to be really honest, I'm comfortable with my relationship with Ben. The club's made a decision," he said.
"We just move on. He'll be back at training. I haven't got the exact date, but it'll probably be early January. So we just move on."
Hunt has long been linked with a move back to Queensland, although it has also been reported that he would be comfortable staying in Sydney for the right price.
Canterbury appears to be one of the favourites to sign Hunt, possibly on a two-year dea as they continue to develop teen sensation Mitchell Woods.
Hunt's exit from the Dragons will free up significant salary cap space, with the likes of Clint Gutherson, Josh Addo-Carr or potentially Ryan Papenhuyzen on the radar.
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